Home renovations look amazing in the end, but they can get quite messy during the in-between moments. Before you enjoy the finished result, you’ll probably encounter a few issues. Here are five things you should know about home renovations. 1. You might need to get a permit. Each city has its own rules, but most major renovations require a permit. This includes taking down walls, updating plumbing and electrical systems, and installing fences. It sometimes takes a bit of research to figure out exactly which permits you need. If you want assistance navigating the permit world, hire a contractor. 2. […]
5 Tips for a Smooth Move With Kids
Moving is often accompanied by tears, arguments, and stressful conversations and decisions. When you factor in young children who don’t understand what’s happening, the tension only escalates. Here are five tips to make a move with kids a little less overwhelming. 1. Before you buy, know your dealbreakers. Buying a home usually requires compromise. However, you should never sacrifice your dealbreakers. Almost half of parents have home buying regrets, such as wishing they had a shorter commute or a larger playroom. Don’t downplay factors that will impact your overall happiness. 2. Allow your kids to participate in the home search. […]
4 Affordable Wood Floor Alternatives
Wood flooring has been an extremely classic and popular flooring choice for several years. It looks gorgeous in any home, and there are several styles available. However, it’s also one of the most expensive flooring options. It’s also not the most durable. If you’re interested in the look of wood at a lower cost, you’re in luck. Here are four common wood alternatives that would look great in your home. 1. Laminate wood flooring This is one of the most common wood flooring alternatives because it looks and feels exactly like real wood. There are both affordable and expensive options, […]
5 Home Security Tips for Cautious Homeowners
Before you start decorating your new home and planning a housewarming party, it’s vital to make sure your home is secure from theft and other dangers. Brand new homeowners are especially vulnerable to security risks. Plan ahead with these five home security tips for cautious homeowners who put safety first. 1. Meet your neighbors. Brand new homeowners should introduce themselves to their neighbors and get to know them. Talking to your neighbors about crime and safety will give you a sense of the security you might need in your home. If you’re able to get involved with your neighborhood watch […]
Relocating For Your Residency After Match Day
Match Day is quickly approaching…March 20th will be here before you know it! Are you ready to be placed in your residency program? And are you ready to move, likely to a different city or state, this summer? The prospect of starting your life after medical school can be both exciting and intimidating. We’re here to make the process a little bit easier. Here are a few tips to make your residency relocation as painless as possible. Start looking for housing as soon as possible. If you’re moving to a large city, such as Seattle or Chicago, start searching for […]
5 Tips For Condo Buyers
In urban areas, condos are a popular option for first time home buyers. They affordable, low-maintenance, and offer various amenities that single family homes don’t include. However, buying a condo requires more strategic planning than buying a single family home. Here are five tips for condo buyers. 1. Expect extra fees. Condos usually require additional fees. Your condo association dues will be one of your largest expenses. Before you decide on a unit, find out how much your monthly dues will be and what those fees cover within the community. Do they seem reasonable, or are they on the expensive side? […]
Organize Your Entire House With These 6 Tips
Organizing your space now will help you stay focused and goal-oriented the rest of the year. Here are six easy tips to organize your entire home. 1. Declutter your garage. It’s likely that your garage is the most cluttered room in your house. To combat this phenomenon, hang a peg board with tool hooks. Using a thick Sharpie, draw an outline around each tool to reserve its location. This way, you’ll know when specific tools are missing. 2. Clear the entrance. Your home entrance should be a spacious area where you can decompress and breathe easily before a big day […]
6 Ways To Get Ready For a Big Move
Each year, millions of people pack up their homes and move to a new place of residence. While the excitement of a big move can be a positive thing, the stress of packing and unpacking can be a negative thing. Here are six things you can do to ensure a smooth and easy move. Every year, millions of us pack up our homes and head across town or across the country to new digs. While the thrill of living in a new place can be exhilarating, the prospect of sorting through belongings, packing boxes and loading trucks is considerably less […]
5 Ideas for Personal, Unique Home Accents
Many homeowners fill their space with generic decor and call it a day. However, the interior of your home should tell a story about your life. Here are five simple ways to personalize your living space. 1. Display photos. If you have a bunch of random photos lying around, figure out a way to display them! If you’ve attended your fair share of weddings and have a growing collection of photobooth strips, show them off in a clear vase. Or, if you’re feeling creative, display your favorites on a gallery wall. 2. Frame house keys. Collect all your keys from […]
2 Things To Do If Your Home Isn’t Selling
If your home is priced right and shows well, it should sell within the first couple of months. If it doesn’t, many sellers become discouraged at the thought of a price reduction. Here are two ways to gain traction if your home isn’t attracting any offers. 1. Location, condition, and price matter. Location dictates a large majority of your home’s sale price, and unfortunately, you can’t pick up your house and move it somewhere more lucrative. However, you do have some control over the condition of your home and the price you’re asking. If your home is idly sitting on […]